1. Robert Griffin III isn't close to 100 percent. But he's so adept at running those zone-read plays – and has so much heart – that it hardly matters. The Redskins spent a ton to get him, and it was absolutely worth it. They're headed to the playoffs.

2. Meanwhile, it was yet another agonizing finish for Dallas and Tony Romo, who again came up short when his team needed him most. Romo is a good quarterback, but it's becoming increasingly apparent that he isn't quite good enough.

3. While Washington was the sixth NFC team to get in, Minnesota is the sixth seed after Adrian Peterson's latest heroics (with an assist from Christian Ponder). The Vikings finished with the same record – 10-6 – as the Bears. It's hard to imagine Lovie Smith getting fired after going 10-6.

4. Many will be fired, though, on a "Black Monday" that could be one of the league's darkest in recent memory. As many as 11 head coaches could lose their jobs. Several general managers are in trouble too. And some coordinators. It's going to be ugly.

5. Among those almost certain to be fired is Philadelphia's Andy Reid, who did a lot more good than bad over 14 seasons (career record: 130-93-1). It's a shame the Eagles barely showed up for his going-away party. Their effort on defense was embarrassing (if not atypical).

6. Whoever the next coach of the Chargers is, he should urge Philip Rivers to wear gloves regardless of the weather. San Diego won three of its final four games – and Rivers, who has had ball-handling issues, wore gloves in all of them. His TD-INT ratio in those games: 7-0.

7. While San Diego won 3 of 4 to close the season, Houston lost 3 of 4 and is officially the NFL's coldest playoff entrant. Matt Schaub threw one touchdown pass in those final four games. The Texans scored one TD in their final two games. And that bye? Goodbye.

8. The Texans' latest loss came against the Colts, whose amazing season continued with another stirring victory in a game that didn't affect their place in the standings. Andrew Luck's 70-yard TD pass on third-and-23 was further proof that he has the coveted "clutch gene."

9. I agree with the Ravens' strategy of resting their veterans, knowing they most likely were headed for the 4-5 matchup regardless. But does anyone want any part of the Colts' magic/mojo right now? I wouldn't put anything past them – including upsetting the Ravens on the road.

10. Despite having clinched the top seed in the NFC, Atlanta played its starters for four quarters against Tampa Bay. The Falcons lost the game and two players to injury. But their situation was different from the Ravens in that Atlanta doesn't play next week. It was the right move.

11. The NFC is supposed to be the better, deeper conference, but do you feel good about any of the top contenders? Atlanta beat up on a soft schedule. San Francisco isn't the same without a healthy Justin Smith. And Green Bay looked shaky defensively against Minnesota.

12. No Packers defender was shakier than cornerback Tramon Williams, who committed an absolute killer penalty away from the ball that turned a would-be Vikings field goal into a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Williams also showed little if any interest in tackling Peterson.

13. Over in the AFC, you've gotta like Denver's chances. Not only do the Broncos have home field, but no team is playing better. I also don't think having a week off will be a bad thing for Peyton Manning, who still isn't 100 percent physically (although you'd never know it).

14. If form holds, we'll have yet another Manning-Tom Brady matchup in the AFC playoffs. In other words, let's hope form holds. The winner of that game most likely will be the favorite in the Super Bowl. I'll take the Broncos.

15. On the other end of the spectrum, Kansas City landed the No. 1 pick in the 2013 draft. The Chiefs' No. 1 need, by far, is quarterback ... and no quarterback currently is projected to go in the top 20. They should trade down, but will anyone want to trade up?

16. Speaking of bad teams, I'm not sure a single person in a single fantasy football league started the Tennessee defense/special teams. If you did, congratulations. The Titans were worth 37 points according to the Yahoo! scoring system. Tennessee surrendered 55 points at Green Bay in Week 16.

17. Finally, let's hope the NFL does the right thing regarding that silly rule whereby replay reviews are nullified if a coach throws the challenge flag on a play that's automatically reviewed. It almost happened for a second time Sunday. Change it before the playoffs, please.

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